Experience Maker 2026
  • Experience Maker

    We’re so excited to have you join us for the Hope Experience on August 1, 2026! Your partnership helps create a welcoming, joy-filled environment where every guest feels seen, valued, and deeply cared for. Below is a list of key volunteer areas where you can serve. Thank you for being such a vital part of making this day impactful, meaningful, and hope-filled for everyone we have the honor to serve!
  • What to Expect as an Experience Maker

    All volunteers will be contacted prior to the event by individual area team leads to ensure confirmation to serve. General Training will take place the day of the event for all volunteers. Please arrive early to park and get checked in at the "volunteer check-in table" opening at 8am-8:45 am. Join us for the all hands safety brief and training promptly starting at 9am. The event will open doors to Guests of Honor at 10am and close approximately 3pm (as supplies last and will be announced on site). Your assistance is requested to help break down individual areas and remove trash before leaving at the end of the event. All coordination with volunteers will happen with their area leader and times to serve will be coordinated through those leaders. If further information or questions about serving is required please contact us at volunteers@hopeexperienceva.org.
  • Personal Information

    To help us serve everyone well, we ask that each individual complete their own form. Forms cannot be submitted on behalf of a family or group. For the safety of all children, those under the age of 13 may not be left unattended during the event. They are absolutely welcome to serve alongside a parent or guardian, but please note that childcare will not be provided. Thank you so much for helping us create a safe and smooth experience for everyone!
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • What is your date of birth?*
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  • Volunteer Areas

    Please select the area where you want to volunteer, then change the drop-down to reflect which role/task you would like to do in that area! You will know which area you have selected based on the blue dot in the corner and it will not allow you to select more than one.
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    Children's Shoes Team . Distributors – Volunteers who retrieve and present shoes, assist with sizing, and help guests try on and select the best fit. Organizers – Volunteers who manage inventory, maintain organization of sizes and styles, and ensure the area remains stocked, orderly, and efficient. Hosts – Volunteers who welcome and guide Guests of Honor through the process, help identify needs (size/style), and ensure a smooth, respectful experience.
    Children's Shoes Team

    Distributors – Volunteers who retrieve and present shoes, assist with sizing, and help guests try on and select the best fit.


    Organizers – Volunteers who manage inventory, maintain organization of sizes and styles, and ensure the area remains stocked, orderly, and efficient.


    Hosts – Volunteers who welcome and guide Guests of Honor through the process, help identify needs (size/style), and ensure a smooth, respectful experience.

    Free$ Free
      
    Haircut Station. Provide free, professional haircuts to our Guests of Honor in a welcoming and dignifying environment, helping them feel confident, valued, and cared for. Barbers & Hairstylists – Licensed or experienced professionals bringing their own tools to perform haircuts (details provided by team lead). Hosts – Volunteers who manage flow, greet Guests of Honor, and create a positive experience.
    Haircut Station

    Provide free, professional haircuts to our Guests of Honor in a welcoming and dignifying environment, helping them feel confident, valued, and cared for.


    Barbers & Hairstylists – Licensed or experienced professionals bringing their own tools to perform haircuts (details provided by team lead).


    Hosts – Volunteers who manage flow, greet Guests of Honor, and create a positive experience.

    Free$ Free
      
    Family Portraits . Photographers – Skilled individuals who capture high-quality photos, guide guests through simple posing, and create a comfortable, positive experience utilizing own equipment. Assistants – Volunteers who support photographers with setup, lighting, equipment handling, and maintaining a smooth flow between guests. Hosts – Volunteers who welcome Guests of Honor, help coordinate the line, prepare guests for their photo, and ensure each person feels honored and at ease throughout the experience.
    Family Portraits

    Photographers – Skilled individuals who capture high-quality photos, guide guests through simple posing, and create a comfortable, positive experience utilizing own equipment.


    Assistants – Volunteers who support photographers with setup, lighting, equipment handling, and maintaining a smooth flow between guests.


    Hosts – Volunteers who welcome Guests of Honor, help coordinate the line, prepare guests for their photo, and ensure each person feels honored and at ease throughout the experience.

    Free$ Free
      
    Interpreter . Interpreters (Spanish, Farsi, ASL) – Volunteers fluent in Spanish, Farsi, or skilled in American Sign Language who assist with translation and communication between Guests of Honor and teams. Volunteers will be distributed to areas of need throughout the event during the day (details provided by team lead).
    Interpreter

    Interpreters (Spanish, Farsi, ASL) – Volunteers fluent in Spanish, Farsi, or skilled in American Sign Language who assist with translation and communication between Guests of Honor and teams. 


    Volunteers will be distributed to areas of need throughout the event during the day (details provided by team lead).

    Free$ Free
      
    Story Gatherers. Interviewers – Volunteers who engage Guests of Honor in thoughtful conversation, ask guiding questions, and help draw out their story in a respectful and honoring way. Assistants – Volunteers who support flow, help prepare guests, manage transitions, and ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. Videographers (Phone) – Volunteers who use their phones to record stories, ensuring clear audio and video while capturing each moment with care and attention.
    Story Gatherers

    Interviewers – Volunteers who engage Guests of Honor in thoughtful conversation, ask guiding questions, and help draw out their story in a respectful and honoring way.


    Assistants – Volunteers who support flow, help prepare guests, manage transitions, and ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.


    Videographers (Phone) – Volunteers who use their phones to record stories, ensuring clear audio and video while capturing each moment with care and attention.

    Free$ Free
      
    Groceries Distribution. Distributors – Volunteers who prepare food bags and distribute grocery items, assisting Guests of Honor through the process while ensuring each person is served with care, respect, and efficiency.
    Groceries Distribution

    Distributors – Volunteers who prepare food bags and distribute grocery items, assisting Guests of Honor through the process while ensuring each person is served with care, respect, and efficiency.

    Free$ Free
      
    Guest Services . Guest Services Volunteers – Volunteers who greet families, check in Guests of Honor, issue event tickets, and distribute food coupons while ensuring a clear, organized, and welcoming entry experience.
    Guest Services

    Guest Services Volunteers – Volunteers who greet families, check in Guests of Honor, issue event tickets, and distribute food coupons while ensuring a clear, organized, and welcoming entry experience.

    Free$ Free
      
    Safety and Parking. Parking Team – Volunteers who direct traffic, guide vehicles into parking areas, and help ensure an efficient and orderly arrival process. Crowd Management Team – Volunteers who manage pedestrian flow, monitor safety, and help guide Guests of Honor from parking areas to event entry points in a safe and welcoming manner.
    Safety and Parking

    Parking Team – Volunteers who direct traffic, guide vehicles into parking areas, and help ensure an efficient and orderly arrival process.


    Crowd Management Team – Volunteers who manage pedestrian flow, monitor safety, and help guide Guests of Honor from parking areas to event entry points in a safe and welcoming manner.

    Free$ Free
      
    Volunteer Services . Volunteer Services Team – Volunteers who support those serving the event in all areas by distributing water, snacks, and cold towels, checking in on needs, and ensuring every volunteer feels cared for and sustained throughout the event.
    Volunteer Services

    Volunteer Services Team – Volunteers who support those serving the event in all areas by distributing water, snacks, and cold towels, checking in on needs, and ensuring every volunteer feels cared for and sustained throughout the event.

    Free$ Free
      
    School Supplies. Hosts – Volunteers who welcome Guests of Honor, guide them through the process, and help identify needs to ensure a smooth and honoring experience. Distributors – Volunteers who present and distribute backpacks, ensuring each guest receives supplies with care and clarity. Organizers – Volunteers who manage inventory, restock supplies, and maintain organization of backpacks to ensure efficiency and readiness throughout the event.
    School Supplies

    Hosts – Volunteers who welcome Guests of Honor, guide them through the process, and help identify needs to ensure a smooth and honoring experience.


    Distributors – Volunteers who present and distribute backpacks, ensuring each guest receives supplies with care and clarity.


    Organizers – Volunteers who manage inventory, restock supplies, and maintain organization of backpacks to ensure efficiency and readiness throughout the event.

    Free$ Free
      
    Clothing. Hosts/Distributors – Volunteers who welcome Guests of Honor, assist them in finding the correct sizes or items, and help distribute clothing in a respectful and organized manner. Restockers – Volunteers who maintain inventory, restock clothing items, and keep the area organized and ready to serve efficiently throughout the event.
    Clothing

    Hosts/Distributors – Volunteers who welcome Guests of Honor, assist them in finding the correct sizes or items, and help distribute clothing in a respectful and organized manner.


    Restockers – Volunteers who maintain inventory, restock clothing items, and keep the area organized and ready to serve efficiently throughout the event.

    Free$ Free
      
    First Aid. Medical Team – Volunteers with first aid training and/or a medical license who remain on standby to provide basic care as needed, assess situations, and coordinate with emergency responders for more significant injuries.
    First Aid

    Medical Team – Volunteers with first aid training and/or a medical license who remain on standby to provide basic care as needed, assess situations, and coordinate with emergency responders for more significant injuries.

    Free$ Free
      
    First Impressions. Restroom Crew – Volunteers who monitor, clean, and restock restrooms to ensure they remain sanitary, functional, and welcoming for guests and volunteers. Trash Removal Crew – Volunteers who manage trash collection, remove waste, and keep all areas clean and clutter-free to support a positive event experience.
    First Impressions

    Restroom Crew – Volunteers who monitor, clean, and restock restrooms to ensure they remain sanitary, functional, and welcoming for guests and volunteers.


    Trash Removal Crew – Volunteers who manage trash collection, remove waste, and keep all areas clean and clutter-free to support a positive event experience.

    Free$ Free
      
    Community Services. Community Service Hosts – Volunteers who engage Guests of Honor in conversation to understand their needs, then guide and connect them to the appropriate resource teams on-site, creating a welcoming space that encourages trust and engagement.
    Community Services

    Community Service Hosts – Volunteers who engage Guests of Honor in conversation to understand their needs, then guide and connect them to the appropriate resource teams on-site, creating a welcoming space that encourages trust and engagement.

    Free$ Free
      
    Hot Meals. Grill Team – Volunteers who prepare and cook hot food items (e.g., hotdogs), ensuring quality, safety, and steady output. Assembly Team – Volunteers who build and pack meal bags with all required items in a consistent and efficient manner. Organization Team – Volunteers who stage, sort, and maintain inventory of completed meal bags to keep the line moving smoothly. Distribution Team – Volunteers who hand out meals, manage flow, and ensure each guest is served with care, clarity, and respect.
    Hot Meals

    Grill Team – Volunteers who prepare and cook hot food items (e.g., hotdogs), ensuring quality, safety, and steady output.


    Assembly Team – Volunteers who build and pack meal bags with all required items in a consistent and efficient manner.


    Organization Team – Volunteers who stage, sort, and maintain inventory of completed meal bags to keep the line moving smoothly.


    Distribution Team – Volunteers who hand out meals, manage flow, and ensure each guest is served with care, clarity, and respect.

    Free$ Free
      
    Kid's Zone. Moon Bounce Team – Volunteers who monitor the bounce area, ensure safety, manage flow, and create a fun and secure environment for children. Activity Hosts – Volunteers who lead a variety of games and activities, engaging children in a fun, interactive, and inclusive way. Face Painters – Volunteers with basic face painting skills who provide simple designs while creating a positive and enjoyable experience for children. Snack Station – Volunteers who prepare and distribute snacks, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and a smooth process for children and families.
    Kid's Zone

    Moon Bounce Team – Volunteers who monitor the bounce area, ensure safety, manage flow, and create a fun and secure environment for children.


    Activity Hosts – Volunteers who lead a variety of games and activities, engaging children in a fun, interactive, and inclusive way.


    Face Painters – Volunteers with basic face painting skills who provide simple designs while creating a positive and enjoyable experience for children.


    Snack Station – Volunteers who prepare and distribute snacks, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and a smooth process for children and families.

    Free$ Free
      
    Friday (July 31) Setup/Logistics Team. Prepare and organize the environment for the Hope Experience the day prior to the event, setting up key areas and ensuring all resources are in place to create a foundation for a smooth, excellent, and honoring experience. Who Serves Here: Setup & Logistics Team – Volunteers who assist with event setup based on their scheduled time blocks, including staging, organizing supplies, preparing food areas, and setting up tables, chairs, and equipment to ensure every area is ready to serve our Guests of Honor efficiently. Team 1 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Team 2 (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Team 3 (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) Team 4 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Volunteers may sign up for one or multiple time blocks based on availability.
    Friday (July 31) Setup/Logistics Team

    Prepare and organize the environment for the Hope Experience the day prior to the event, setting up key areas and ensuring all resources are in place to create a foundation for a smooth, excellent, and honoring experience.


    Who Serves Here:


    Setup & Logistics Team – Volunteers who assist with event setup based on their scheduled time blocks, including staging, organizing supplies, preparing food areas, and setting up tables, chairs, and equipment to ensure every area is ready to serve our Guests of Honor efficiently.


    Team 1 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

    Team 2 (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

    Team 3 (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

    Team 4 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)


    Volunteers may sign up for one or multiple time blocks based on availability.

    Free$ Free
      
    Friday Intercessory Prayer Team. Cover the Hope Experience in prayer the night before the event, seeking God’s presence, guidance, and blessing over every area, every volunteer, and every Guest of Honor. Who Serves Here: Prayer Team – Volunteers who gather the evening prior to the event to walk the grounds, pray over each area, and intercede for the event, the teams serving, and every Guest of Honor who will attend, helping spiritually prepare the environment for what God will do. Prayer Meeting Time TBD. Location will be on site at Manheim Auto.
    Friday Intercessory Prayer Team

    Cover the Hope Experience in prayer the night before the event, seeking God’s presence, guidance, and blessing over every area, every volunteer, and every Guest of Honor.


    Who Serves Here:


    Prayer Team – Volunteers who gather the evening prior to the event to walk the grounds, pray over each area, and intercede for the event, the teams serving, and every Guest of Honor who will attend, helping spiritually prepare the environment for what God will do. Prayer Meeting Time TBD. Location will be on site at Manheim Auto.

    Free$ Free
      
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